After a more than underwhelming 2023-24 season and a complete overhaul in the coaching staff, Kentucky women’s basketball lost nine of its players from last year’s roster to the transfer portal.
Here’s where the former ‘Cats ended up.
Ajae Petty –> Ohio State
Ajae Petty was one of the biggest fish in the pond when she entered the portal. Last season, she averaged team-highs for Kentucky in points per game (14.2) and rebounds per game (10.6). Additionally, she shot 50.7% from the field, so she got the job done at an efficient rate.
So, it was no surprise that Petty found herself on one of the best teams in the country at Ohio State. The Buckeyes will be a contender to not only win the Big 10 but to also make a run at a Final Four.
Maddie Scherr –> TCU
When Maddie Scherr entered her name into the transfer portal, the general consensus was that she wouldn’t stray too far from Lexington. Maybe she’ll go to Indiana or Notre Dame. Maybe she’ll suit up for the Cards. Even a return to UK was in play.
However, Scherr chose to unite with one of college basketball’s biggest names, Hailey Van Lith, at TCU. Now that Oklahoma and Texas have moved to the SEC, the Horned Frogs have some serious potential to win the Big 12.
Eniya Russell –> Mississippi State
After a breakout senior season, Eniya Russell would find herself at a third SEC school — one of just two UK transfers to stay in the SEC. The 6-foot-1 wing averaged 10.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game last season, showing much improvement from before.
Russell would become one of the many good gets that Sam Purcell and the Mississippi State Bulldogs would add this offseason. Mississippi State, while they won’t win the SEC, can surely make some noise and climb higher than some expect.
Brooklynn Miles –> Pittsburgh
Kentucky lost their leading point guard to the transfer portal, that being Brooklynn Miles, whenever Georgia Amoore officially followed Kenny Brooks to Lexington. Miles averaged a career-high 5.8 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game last season.
Additionally, Miles would become the first of two former ‘Cats to transfer to Pitt.
Amiya Jenkins –> Pittsburgh
Then, we have Lexington’s own Amiya Jenkins. Jenkins’ minutes fluctuated at times last season, and oftentimes probably didn’t get the time she deserved on the floor. As a sophomore, she averaged 7.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.
Jenkins would also become the second UK transfer to land at Pitt, joining Miles. While the Panthers almost certainly won’t win the ACC, they should be a fun team to watch.
Janae Walker –> Rutgers
If Ajae Petty was on the bench, Janae Walker was in, providing minutes in the post. Walker’s freshman season at Kentucky mainly consisted of learning the ropes and figuring things out. In November, she was hardly seeing the floor.
By the end of the season, however, she had proved that she could be a contributor at a major conference school. As a result, Walker landed at Rutgers, and now she’ll get some valuable minutes in the Big 10.
Zennia Thomas –> Howard
While Zennia Thomas would ultimately be dismissed from the team for “disciplinary matters”, she is still technically a former Kentucky player, and she did enter the transfer portal.
Thomas would be the only transfer to not find herself at a major conference school as she would transfer to Howard.
Nyah Leveretter –> Georgia
For Nyah Leveretter, her senior year was unfortunately taken away from her due to an ACL injury she suffered against Vanderbilt in February 2023. However, she’ll get one more go at college basketball.
The best part is that she’ll get to stay in the SEC and get a fresh start at Georgia. At Kentucky, it was going to be uncertain what her minutes would look like. However, at Georgia, Leveretter should be able to make an impact.
Jordy Griggs –> Clemson
Lo and behold, the last UK transfer to find their new school, Jordy Griggs. Griggs was a highly sought-after recruit, coming into Lexington as a four-star talent (ESPN). As a freshman, Griggs spent her time getting adjusted to the college level.
In year two, Griggs will be in the ACC, playing for Shawn Poppie and the Clemson Tigers. The talent is definitely there for Griggs, and she could find herself being a contributor for one of the potential dark horses in the ACC.
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